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Statistical thermodynamics plays a vital linking role between quantum theory and chemical thermodynamics, yet students often find the subject unpalatable. In this revised edition, the authors overcome this by emphasizing the concepts involved (particularly the significance of the partition function), rather than dwelling on the complex mathematical niceties that are essential for a profound study of the subject. Strong emphasis is placed on the physical basis of statistical thermodynamics. After a clear exposition of the distribution laws, partition functions, heat capacities, chemical equilibria, and kinetics, the subject is further illuminated by discussions of low-temperature effects, spectroscopy, and a variety of macroscopic behaviour of atoms and molecules.
This book investigates the fundamental principles of statistical thermodynamics by bridging the gap between quantum theory and chemical thermodynamics. R. P. H. Gasser provides a conceptual framework designed to assist students in navigating the complexities of the subject without becoming overwhelmed by advanced mathematical derivations. By focusing on the physical basis of thermodynamic laws, the text aims to clarify how microscopic atomic behaviors dictate macroscopic properties.
What You Will Find
Experts and educators frequently cite this text as a highly accessible entry point for students struggling with the abstract nature of statistical thermodynamics. Readers often note that the author's emphasis on physical intuition over rigorous mathematical formalism makes the material significantly more approachable for undergraduate study.
Page Count:
137
Publication Date:
1974-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford Univ Pr
ISBN-10:
0198554893
ISBN-13:
9780198554899
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